Work Begins On $8M Newark Waterfront Park Project Near Passaic River

NEWARK, NJ — Newark will soon have an $8 million park expansion near the Passaic River waterfront.

State and local officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony last week to announce the start of the third phase of the “Riverfront Park” project, an ambitious initiative to “reconnect residents to the Passaic River through the creation of green space and recreational opportunities,” according to a news release from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The announcement marks the beginning of the third phase of the park’s development, which entails two stretches of riverfront land that will be developed with a boardwalk, walkway system, a fitness zone, an overlook with seating, a bikeway, space for open-air events and a gateway to the downtown area, DEP officials stated.

A walkway will also be constructed under the Jackson Street Bridge, allowing safe pedestrian crossing between the Ironbound section of Newark and downtown, officials said.

The DEP will provide providing about $6.3 million toward the estimated $7.76 million cost of this phase of the project, including funding for park construction and remediation. In addition, The Trust for Public Land has provided the balance of the funding through private donations and other local sources, officials stated.

Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey is funding the Horizon Wellness Trail through the Horizon Foundation and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey is providing funding for the Fitness Zone, DEP officials said.

“This continued work on Riverfront Park allows the Passaic River to serve as a front door to the city,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“In addition to providing a great outdoor space for city residents and downtown workers to enjoy Newark’s riverfront, our partnership is helping to create a healthier community,” said Trust for Public Land New Jersey Director Anthony Cucchi. “For example, the park’s expansion will soon provide a Fitness Zone to exercise in, a new dedicated lane for cyclists, and the Horizon Wellness Trail to connect Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood with downtown Newark.”

The first phase of the park system - developed as the result of a partnership among the city, Trust for Public Land and Essex County Parks Department – opened in 2012, and provides playing fields for baseball, soccer and football, as well as basketball and tennis courts.

According to DEP officials, a second phase of the park opened in 2013. This phase connected the recreational complex to the park through a gateway linked to riverfront green space, which was developed with a boardwalk noted for its burnished orange planking made from recycled plastic, walkways and a floating dock.

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